Author Archives: Kayoko Akabori


December 21, 2007

Gift This: Best Pears in the World

by Kayoko Akabori

Roach’s dad sent her a box of these gorgeous “Royal Riviera Pears” which can be ordered online here. They are absolutely the sweetest pears I’ve ever had- juicy, silky, delicious. We think they are from Oregon. Mel was kind enough to give me three! We just can’t get enough. Each pear have their own unique […]

December 20, 2007

Homemade Marshmallows and Hot Cocoa Mix

by Kayoko Akabori

I received this wonderfully toasty and decadent package of holiday cheer from my dear friend Christy (who got married this year!). Isn’t it lovely? She used a Martha recipe for the marshmallows and created the cocoa mix herself! Looked at the jagged edges of the brown paper! The candy cane striped ribbon! This proves that […]

December 19, 2007

The Umami Reader, vol. 009 – The Matt Edition

by Kayoko Akabori

Noteworthy readings and eatings, all via Matt K.: Batali vs. Thomas Keller vs. The Big Mac: The caloric challenge World class chefs mouth off about what they will be scarfing down at their last supper Bacon of the Month Club: Artisan bacons delivered to your doorstep once a month Urban Rustic, a “modern foodie emporium” […]

December 14, 2007

Mitsuwa Field Trip

by Kayoko Akabori

For some god foresaken reason, Roach and I were inspired to take a bus to Mitsuwa, all the way out in buttfuck Jersey the day after Thanksgiving. I don’t know what it was– fantasies of all the food shopping possibilities, or simply the food court extravaganza– that lured us to make the trek. Whatever it […]

December 11, 2007

Tony Bourdain at Tribeca B&N Saturday

by Kayoko Akabori

Tony will be at the new Barnes and Nobles in Tribeca this Saturday 12/15 at 7pm to promote his new book No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach.The guy seriously has the sweetest job ever. 97 Warren StreetNew York, NY 10007212-587-5389

December 8, 2007

A Meal for $2 at Dumpling House

by Kayoko Akabori

You have until Tuesday to get your ass down to the Dumpling House in the Lower East Side for the best bang for your buck (literally) in town. This place is a downtown institution– there was a line out the door when we went at 5pm tonight. It’s closing for a month or so to […]

December 4, 2007

The Umami Reader, vol. 008

by Kayoko Akabori

Noteworthy readings and eatings: Bill Buford’s exploration into the thick muddy world of the cacao bean (via Matt- sorry only the abstract is available online) Wikipedia and peppers: Wiki on the menu of a Beijing restaurant (via Janet) Bourdain and Eric Ripert in the kitchen at Les Halles sometime in the next two weeks! (Grub […]

December 3, 2007

Sukiyaki Time!

by Kayoko Akabori

Last week, Bittman dedicated his Minimalist column to the venerable hotpot. Hotpot is a wondefully warm DIY winter tradition– growing up, we would put a butan stove on the table, fill a pot with water and some soy sauce and sake, and dunk in veggies, tofu and noodles, with beef for shabu-shabu or fish for […]

November 30, 2007

Chicken Bag

by Kayoko Akabori

Sorry I have not been blogging- I’m more bummed about it than you are, trust me. My laptop screen went black on me and I need to get a new computer asap but my sources in Cupertino tell me that there are fun surprises to be revealed at MacWorld in January… could it be true??? […]

November 21, 2007

Blogging Blues

by Kayoko Akabori

UGH!!! I have great pictures for the stuffing that I made the other day and I can’t upload my photos without the correct software for my work computer!!!! AAAAAHHHH!!! My personal computer conked out on me the other night, which is why I have not been blogging in the first place. Anyhow, happy Tday to […]